THE UNITED METHODIST YOUNG ADULT FELLOWSHIP IN THE PHILIPPINES

 

CONSTITUTION & BY LAWS

Ratified on the 22nd Biennial Convention held last April 29-May 3, 2026 at Last Regnant Leisure Hub in San Manuel, Isabela.

PREAMBLE

We, the members of the United Methodist Young Adult Fellowship in the Philippines (UMYAFP), grateful for God’s forgiving and sanctifying love given to us and to all, and drawing us toward perfect love, seek to establish an organization that values and nurtures the well-being of its members and promotes The United Methodist Church’s mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world, do ordain and promulgate this Constitution.

 

ARTICLE I NAME OF THE ORGANIZATION

Section 1. This organization shall be known as the United Methodist Young Adult Fellowship in the Philippines, hereafter referred to as the “UMYAFP” and shall also be known in Filipino as the Kapatiran ng Nagkaisang Kabataang Metodistang may Sapat na Gulang sa Pilipinas.

Section 2. The UMYAFP is a duly constituted lay organization of The United Methodist Church in the National, Annual Conference, District, and Local Chapter levels.

 ARTICLE II DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES AND OBJECTIVES

Section 1. The UMYAFP, as followers of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, strives to emulate His mission through our common witness and action.

Section 2. The UMYAFP believes in the Holy Scripture, as the primary foundation of faith, and adheres to our Wesleyan heritage affirmed by the founding leaders of The United Methodist Church.

Section 3. The UMYAFP bears witness to the love of Jesus Christ and shall work for the achievement of a just and peaceful society where all people experience abundant life.

Section 4. The UMYAFP engages actively in the life and ministry of The United Methodist Church in the Philippines and wherever God leads us, and works in collaboration with its program agencies.

Section 5. The UMYAFP promotes ecumenical Christian partnerships and inter-faith relations to create an inclusive and safe space for all young adults, towards transforming their communities.

Section 6. The UMYAFP affirms that Christian social responsibility is an expression of faith manifested through nurture, outreach, and witness, towards empowering young adults to live out their beliefs by doing acts of mercy and justice.

Section 7. The UMYAFP supports connectional ministries within the structure of The United Methodist Church.

Section 8. The UMYAFP aims to lead young adults to a personal and communal relationship with Jesus Christ as God and Savior.

ARTICLE III

MEMBERSHIP

 

Section 1. The bona fide members of UMYAFP are young adults from 24 to 45 years old, regardless of civil status, who are either baptized or professing members of The United Methodist Church, who have declared their intention to be a member of the organization and paid the required membership fee.

Section 2. Bona fide members shall have the right to participate in UMYAFP activities, to vote, and be voted upon except those who are disqualified to be officers as provided under this Constitution.

Section 3. Bona fide members shall uphold this UMYAFP Constitution.

Section 4. Constituent members are those who support and participate in the ministries of the UMYAFP and who shall have the voice but not the vote.

Section 5. All bona fide and constituent members of the UMYAFP shall likewise pay the membership fee to be determined during the Convention.

Section 6. Bona fide members shall only have one lay organization membership.

 

ARTICLE IV

CONVENTION

 

Section 1. The Convention shall be the highest policy and decision-making body in every level of the organization. It shall convene every two (2) years except for the Local Chapter Convention, which shall convene annually.

Section 2. The Convention shall be called the National Convention in the National level; Annual Conference Convention in the Annual Conference level; District Convention in the District level; and Local Chapter Convention in the Local level.

Section 3. The Convention shall be composed of the members of the Executive Committee of the level concerned and a maximum of the following as voting delegates:

1. Five (5) representatives per Annual Conference in the National Convention, preferably proportionately divided among the districts of the Annual Conference;
2. One (1) representative per Local Chapter in the Annual Conference Convention, in addition to five (5) District officers from each of the districts in the Annual Conference;
3. Five (5) representatives per Local Chapter in the District Convention; and
4. All members of the Local Chapter in the Local Church.

Section 4. All voting members present in the session of a duly announced Convention shall constitute a quorum.

Section 5. The Convention may convene online or in hybrid set up to meet the needs of the organization when a physical setting is not feasible due to pandemic, calamity or similar circumstances, as determined by the Executive Committee after proper consultation with the immediate lower level.

Section 6. The Convention shall have the following functions:

1. Design, develop, and approve the program thrusts of the level concerned;
2. Receive and hear the reports of the Executive Committee and of the immediate lower level;
3. Review the actions passed by the Executive Council prior to its session;
4. Receive recommendations and pass resolutions to address issues concerning the organization;
5. Propose and approve budget for the ensuing year;
6. Elect and remove officers for the level concerned;
7. Determine the amount of connectional dues collected from the immediate lower level;
8. In the case of the National Convention it must constitute the Constitutional Committee, convene the Constitutional Convention and ratify the amendments and revisions of the Constitution, if any, following this Constitution;
9. In the case of the Local Chapter Conventions, to set the membership fee to be charged from its members; and
10. To elect the representatives of the Convention to the immediate higher level.

 

Section 7. The Ex-officio members of the Convention shall be the following:

1. In the National Convention, the chairpersons or representatives of National Council on Young People Ministries (NCYPM) or its equivalent body, the Board of Communications, Christian Education and Discipleship (BCCED), the Board of the Laity (BoL), the Board of Church and Society (BCS), the immediate past president and the Advisers of the National Executive Committee.
2. In the Annual Conference Convention, the District Superintendents, the Conference Lay Leader, the Chairperson of the Annual Conference Council on Young People’s Ministries (YPM) or its equivalent body, the immediate past president and the Advisers of the Annual Conference Executive Committee.
3. In the District Convention, the District Superintendent, the District Lay Leader, the immediate past president and the Advisers of the District Executive Committee.
4. In the Local Convention, the Pastor and/or the Deaconess, the Lay Leader, the immediate past president and the Advisers of the Local Executive Committee.
5. Other ex-officio members may be included as deemed necessary by the Convention.
6. The Advisers shall also sit as ex-officio members in the Council and Executive Committee of the level concerned.

Section 8. The non-voting delegates shall be the following and shall have the voice but not the vote:

1. Ex-officio members determined in Section 7 of this Article, and,
2. All other present in the session.

 

ARTICLE V
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

 

Section 1. The Executive Council shall act on behalf of the Convention at every level of the UMYAFP when the Convention is in recess, except at the Local Chapter. Provided, that the authority to convene the Constitutional Committee and the National Convention for the purpose of ratifying amendments or revisions to this Constitution shall remain the exclusive prerogative of the National Convention. Provided, further, that the Executive Council at each level shall meet at least twice a year or as often as may be necessary.

Section 2. The Executive Council shall be referred to as follows:

National Executive Council at the National level;

Annual Conference Executive Council at the Annual Conference level; and

District Executive Council at the District level.

Section 3. The Executive Council shall be composed of officers of the Executive Committee of the level concerned, and selected representatives preferably including the President and/or Executive Secretary:

Two (2) representatives per Annual Conference in the National Executive Council;

Four (4) representatives per District in the Annual Conference Executive Council; and

Two (2) representatives per Local Chapter in the District Executive Council.

Section 4. The function of the respective Executive Councils of each level shall be to execute all decisions, recommendations, resolutions, rules and regulations made by the Convention of the level concerned and to act on referrals made by the said Convention. It shall act in consonance with the policies and mandate of The United Methodist Church and coordinate with and relate to other relevant bodies, boards/committees and agencies of The United Methodist Church.

Section 5. The Executive Council may convene online or in a hybrid set up when a physical meeting is not feasible due to pandemic, calamity or similar thereof, as determined by the Executive Committee after the proper consultation with the immediate lower level.

Section 6. All voting members present at duly announced Executive Council meeting shall constitute a quorum.

Section 7. The non‑voting delegates to the Executive Council meeting shall be the following, and shall have the voice but not the vote:

1. The Advisers of the level concerned; and
2. All others present at the meeting.

 

ARTICLE VI
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Section 1. There shall be an Executive Committee at all levels, composed of the President, Vice President, Executive Secretary, Finance Officer, Auditor, and Program Ministry Heads as voting members. The Advisers shall serve as ex officio members with the voice but not the vote. Provided, that the Executive Committee shall meet at least once every quarter or as often as may be necessary.

Section 2. The functions of the Executive Committee shall be as follows:

1. Execute the programs and implement the policies of the UMYAFP as approved or referred to by the Convention and/or the Executive Council;
2. Convene meetings of the Convention and the Executive Council and prepare their respective agendas;
3. Report to the Convention and the Executive Council on the state of the level concerned;
4. Appoint a maximum of three (3) Advisers, including at least one church worker, while ensuring gender balance;
5. Coordinate with other relevant church bodies and agencies concerning the affairs of the UMYAFP;
6. Assign representatives to ecumenical and interfaith bodies in accordance with the policies of the concerned bodies;
7. Appoint three (3) to five (5) members of the Program Ministries, as recommended by and under the leadership of the Program Ministry Heads; and
8. At the National level, select a Focal Officer for each Episcopal Area from among the members of the Executive Committee.

Section 3. The Executive Committee shall meet at least once every quarter or as often as may be necessary.

 

ARTICLE VII
OFFICERS

Section 1. The UMYAFP at all levels shall have the following officers to consist its respective Executive Committee:

President

Vice President

Executive Secretary

Finance Officer

Auditor

Program Ministry Heads

Nurture Ministry Head

Outreach Ministry Head

Witness Ministry Head

Section 2. Duties and Responsibilities of the Officers

2.1. The President shall:

1. Lead and oversee the implementation of programs of the UMYAFP;
2. Prepare the agenda of the Executive Committee meetings in consultation with the members thereof;
3. Preside over all sessions and meetings of the UMYAFP or delegate presiding authority when necessary;
4. Convene the Executive Committee within 30 days from election to tackle action items referred to by the Convention or Council;
5. Represent the UMYAFP before relevant bodies and agencies;
6. Serve as an ex-officio member of the Outreach Program Ministry; and
7. Perform such other functions and duties as may be assigned by the Executive Committee, Executive Council, and/or Convention of the level concerned.

 

2.2. The Vice President shall:

1. Oversee the planning and implementation of the UMYAFP programs together with the President;
2. Assume the duties and functions of the President in cases of death, temporary disability or incapacity, removal from office pursuant to Section 3 of this Article, or failure of the President to convene the Executive Committee, Executive Council or the Convention as required by this Constitution;
3. Co-preside with the President over all sessions and meetings of the UMYAFP;
4. Regularly update the membership directory and maintain the official social media platforms of the organization;
5. Serve as ex officio member of the Nurture Program Ministry, and
6. Perform such other functions and duties as may be assigned by the Executive Committee, Executive Council, and/or Convention of the level concerned.

2.3. The Executive Secretary shall:

1. Serve as the primary point of contact for all communications and correspondence of the level concerned;
2. Notify members of meetings and assemblies;
3. Coordinate with the President in preparing meeting agenda;
4. Record, prepare, and circulate the minutes and summaries of actions of the Executive Committee, Executive Council, or Convention concerned within two (2) months following the meeting;
5. Safekeep the pertinent documents of the UMYAFP, provided, that membership records are kept by the Vice President with the duplicate copy retained by the Executive Secretary;
6. Serve as an ex-officio member of the Witness Program Ministry, and
7. Perform such other functions and duties as may be assigned by the Executive Committee, Executive Council, and/or Convention of the level concerned.

2.4. The Finance Officer shall:

1. Ensure compliance with financial policies duly approved by the Executive Council or Convention concerned;
2. Prepare the budget in coordination with the Executive Committee for approval by the Executive Council or Convention concerned;
3. Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all financial transactions of the UMYAFP;
4. Prepare and submit audited financial reports to the Executive Committee, Executive Council, and the Convention concerned, provided, that financial report shall be externally audited following provisions of the Constitution;
5. Provide regular updates on the financial status of the UMYAFP as may be required;
6. Monitor and collect all fees, dues, and receivables of the UMYAFP;
7. Transact with the depository bank designated by the Executive Committee;
8. Co-sign financial transactions together with other duly authorized signatories;
9. Serve as custodian of all properties acquired by purchase, donation, or other lawful means, and
10. Perform such other functions and duties as may be assigned by the Executive Committee, Executive Council, and/or Convention of the level concerned.

2.5. The Auditor shall:

1. Examine and verify the accuracy and completeness of all financial records and reports as presented by the Finance Officer;
2. Ensure compliance with duly approved financial policies;
3. Plan and lead fundraising activities and initiatives of the UMYAFP;
4. Present audit reports to the Executive Committee concerned;
5. Lead the review of financial policies in consultation with the Finance Officer, subject to approval by the Executive Council or Convention concerned; and
6. Perform such other functions and duties as may be assigned by the Executive Committee, Executive Council, and/or Convention of the level concerned.

 

The Nurture Ministry Head shall:

 

1. Develop Christian formation and educational programs to equip members and strengthen fellowship within the UMYAFP;
2. Train and equip members to become ecumenical servant leaders;
3. Promote and deepen understanding of the Wesleyan heritage and The United Methodist Church polity;
4. Develop activities and materials for family-oriented and focused ministries;
5. Assist the Vice President in record-keeping, including the maintenance of databases and organizational milestones; and
6. Perform such other functions and duties as may be assigned by the Executive Committee, Executive Council, and/or Convention of the level concerned.

 

The Outreach Ministry Head shall:

 

1. Develop and implement sustainable programs addressing the needs of church and society, including skill-based initiatives for young adults;
2. Establish ecumenical partnerships and interfaith relations to strengthen social ministries;
3. Lead humanitarian response initiatives during crises;
4. Promote the stance of The United Methodist Church on relevant social issues through forums, dialogues, and other platforms;
5. Establish advocacy programs and collective actions consistent with The United Methodist Church Social Principles, and
6. Perform such other functions and duties as may be assigned by the Executive Committee, Executive Council, and/or Convention of the level concerned.

 

 

The Witness Ministry Head shall:

 

1. Develop and implement evangelism programs consistent with the theological framework and mission of The United Methodist Church;
2. Prepare activities and materials that encourage the Christian experience, faith, and service;
3. Engage young adults in building meaningful relationships and relevant communities of faith, and
4. Perform such other functions and duties as may be assigned by the Executive Committee, Executive Council, and/or Convention of the level concerned.

 

 

Section 3. Any officer may be removed from office on any of the following grounds:

1. Renunciation of the basic doctrines and beliefs of The United Methodist Church;
2. Gross violation of any provision of this Constitution;
3. Deliberate abandonment of office or failure to attend regular meetings of the Executive Committee or Executive Council for two (2) consecutive meetings, provided that the officer concerned has been duly notified;
4. Misappropriation or diversion of UMYAFP funds;
5. Engaging in conduct detrimental to the moral integrity of the organization, including habitual alcoholism, drug addiction, prostitution, or gambling;
6. Acts of misconduct, including sexual harassment or other grave offenses, upon a finding of substantial evidence;
7. Conviction by final judgment of a crime involving moral turpitude;
8. Total and permanent disability that significantly impairs the performance of official duties;
9. Acts or omissions detrimental to the reputation of the UMYAFP; or
10. Entry into full‑time ordained or appointed ministry.

 

Section 4. Complaints against any officer shall be filed with the President and the Advisers of the level concerned, who shall constitute an Investigation Committee. When the President is the subject of the complaint, the complaint shall be filed with any officer and the Advisers.

The Investigation Committee shall be composed of three (3) members, at least one of whom shall be an incumbent Executive Committee member and at least one an Adviser. At the Annual Conference and District levels, one (1) District Superintendent shall participate; at the National level, one (1) Bishop shall participate.

Upon a finding of substantial evidence, the Investigation Committee shall recommend to the Convention concerned the appropriate disciplinary action, which may include removal from office, without prejudice to the filing of civil, criminal, or administrative cases.

 

 

Section 5. Vacancies arising from removal, resignation, or death shall be filled as follows:

1. Any vacancy shall be reported by the President of the level concerned to the next regular Executive Council meeting, which shall formally declare the position vacant;
2. The Executive Council shall fill the vacancy by appointment, provided constitutional qualifications are met, except that the Vice President shall automatically succeed the President; and
3. Any appointed officer shall serve only for the unexpired term of the predecessor.

 

Section 6. An officer may resign voluntarily by submitting a written resignation to the Executive Committee concerned. Upon acceptance after due consultation, the vacancy shall be announced. In the event of death during incumbency, the rules on vacancy and succession under Section 5 of this Article shall apply.

 

 

ARTICLE VIII

ELECTION OF OFFICERS

Section 1. The election of officers shall be held during the Convention of the level concerned preferably before June of the election year.

Section 2: There shall be a Committee on Election (COMELEC) whose members are elected      from the Convention.

Section 3: The Committee on Election shall be composed of the following:

In the National, Annual, and District levels, three (3) members-at-large; one (1) of the current Advisers ; one (1) of the former or outgoing officer of the said level, who is not seeking re-election; and one (1) church worker, who is present in the Convention. In cases that there is no church worker, Adviser and/or former officer present, an equal number of members-at-large may be elected on their behalf.

Section 4. The Committee on Election shall have the following functions:

1. Establish the procedure and manner of election provided it is not inconsistent with the provisions of this Constitution;
2. Screen the candidates based on the qualifications under this Constitution;
3. Interview and evaluate the candidate’s capacity, competence, platforms, and intentions for seeking office;
4. Present the final list of candidates qualified for elections;
5. Facilitate the election process; and
6. Declare the duly elected officers immediately upon election.

Section 5. Any candidate shall not be elected to more than one position, provided that any elected officer may serve as ex-officio member to other Committees.

Section 6. Any candidate seeking for election must be a professing member of The United Methodist Church and must have served at least one (1) year as an officer in the immediate lower level of the organization and/or The United Methodist Church structure.

Section 7. The election process in all levels shall be conducted as follows:

1. A Committee on Election shall be created during the Convention to receive applications and screen the nominees for the positions based on the qualifications set forth under this Constitution;
2. Nomination shall be by position and that a person can be nominated to at most two (2) positions only in writing, signed by the nominee and endorsed by three (3) voting delegates. Provided, however, that in case of the National level, one of the three (3) endorsers shall come from the Annual level of the nominee; and case of the Conference level, one of the endorsers shall come from the District level of the nominee;
3. The nominees shall undergo screening of the Committee on Election through interviews to determine their capacity, competence, platform, and intention for seeking office;
4. The Committee on Election shall present to the Convention the official candidates for election;
5. Voting shall be by position, starting from the Program Ministry Heads to the President. The candidate who garners the highest vote for the position concerned shall win the election; Provided that in case the candidate is unopposed, he/she the candidate must have at least one-third (1/3) of the total vote to confirm the candidate’s election; and
6. Shall declare the duly elected new set of officers and present them to the Convention.

Section 8. In case of vacancy in the office due to failure to elect or when there is no candidate for said position, the Executive Committee shall announce the position open for election during the 1st Council Meeting and shall undergo the same process of election as stated under this Constitution.

Section 9. The elected officers shall serve for two (2) years at all levels except in case of the Local level whose term shall be one (1) year.

Section 10. Any officer may be re-elected in the same position for two consecutive terms only, provided that the officer meets the continuing qualifications under this Constitution and has not previously resigned or removed from office in any manner.

Section 11. Any officer accused of not having met all of the requirements for election stipulated in this Constitution after election shall have the complaint received and acted upon by the Convention or Executive Council.

 

ARTICLE IX

FINANCE AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

 

Section 1. No solicitation or application for grant shall be made for or on behalf of the organization without prior approval of the Convention or the Executive Council concerned and written notification to the Council on Finance and Administration (CFA) of the level concerned.

Section 2. The UMYAFP shall not incur any debts or loans.

Section 3. Funds from any foreign or domestic organization, agency and other cooperating or connectional bodies of The United Methodist Church designated for a specific purpose shall be used exclusively for the intended purpose.

Section 4. All funds of the UMYAFP shall be kept in any depository bank designated by the Council or Convention. Any disbursement shall be made by any two (2) of the designated signatories as stated in the financial policy, provided that one of whom shall be the President.

Section 5. All devices, equipment or properties acquired by the organization, either through purchase or donation shall be under the custody and management of the council

Section 6. All documents, records and documentations of      any properties shall be turned over by the outgoing Executive Committee to the incoming Executive Committee within 30 calendar days after the close of the Convention.

Section 7. All fees and offerings collected, funds generated, disbursements and expenditures made shall, at all times, be properly accounted for and duly reported to the Executive Council of the level concerned.

Section 8. There shall be a financial policy to be approved by the Convention and/or Executive Council of the level concerned.

Section 9. No funds of the UMYAF shall be used to invest in and/or purchase      of services or goods related to weapons, tobacco, controlled and illegal drugs, pornography, prostitution, gambling and alcoholic beverages. Funds of the organization may be invested in legitimate ventures approved by the Convention.

Section 10. The organization shall ensure that the President, Finance Officer, and Auditor are not related within a second degree of consanguinity and affinity or living in the same household. Provided, finally, that whenever this is not possible in the Local Church made up of close relatives, such situation must be considered.

Section 11. If no new set of officers is elected within 180 calendar days to replace the current set of officers at the end of their term, the outgoing President must ensure that the funds, properties, and records shall be placed in trust under the custody of the Treasurer of Local Church, District, Annual Conference, or Philippine Regional Conference, as appropriate in the level concerned. The custodian of the trust shall, in turn, hand over once the new set is elected. Failure to do so is a ground for automatic removal from office.

Section 12. In cases of divisions of conferences as mandated by appropriate bodies of The United Methodist Church, the funds and properties shall be divided equally among the new entities formed.

Section 13. Under no circumstances shall funds and properties of the UMYAF shall be given to individuals and groups who are leaving or disaffiliating from The United Methodist Church.

Section 14. Youth Service Fund offering shall be divided following the 70-30 formula as stated in UMC Book of Discipline (BOD). Specifically, 70% shall be kept by the Local Chapter, and the 30% shall be remitted to the District. This process shall be replicated in the District and Annual Conference levels. In the National level, 70% shall be kept for the General Fund in the National level and the 30% shall be remitted to the General Council on Finance and Administration.

 

 

ARTICLE X

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS AND REVISIONS

 

Section 1. This Constitution shall be amended or revised only through Constitutional Convention duly constituted for the said purpose in the National Convention.

Section 2. A Constitutional Committee (ConCom) shall be duly elected in the National Convention who shall serve as convener of the Constitutional Convention.

Section 3. The Constitutional Committee shall be composed of the following;

1. Five (5) members among whom they shall elect a Chairperson, Vice Chairperson and Secretary; and
2. At most three (3) Advisers chosen by the Committee who preferably are a) any member of the Bar and is authorized to practice law in the Philippines b. former National UMYAF Officer, and c. Clergy.

Section 4. The Constitutional Committee shall have the following functions:

1. Facilitate, receive and consolidate the proposed amendments or revisions, as the case may be, from lower levels of the organization;
2. Deliberate on the proposed amendments or revision, as the case may be, and come up with a draft version to be presented during Constitutional Convention;
3. Convene the Constitutional Convention for purposes of reviewing, deliberating and approving the draft version of the Constitutional Committee for presentation to the National Convention; and
4. Prepare the final draft of the proposed amendments or revisions passed by the Constitutional Convention for ratification by the National Convention.

Section 5. The Constitutional Convention shall be conducted as follows:

1. It shall be convened at least six (6) months before the scheduled National Convention;
2. It shall be composed of the Constitutional Committee, two (2) officials and two (2) alternates from the National Executive Committee, two (2) official representatives and two (2) alternates from each Annual Conference elected by the Convention, Executive Council, or Executive Committee concerned;
3. To constitute a quorum, there shall be at least 50%+1 of all Annual Conferences represented provided that all levels concerned have been formally notified; and
4. It shall come up with the final version of the amendments or revisions, to be presented to the National Convention for ratification.

Section 6. The amended or revised Constitution shall take effect upon ratification by two-thirds (⅔) vote of all the voting delegates present during the National Convention.

Section 7. This Constitution shall not be amended within four (4) years, nor revised within eight (8) years, from its last ratification, respectively.

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE XI

GENERAL PROVISION

 

Section 1. In case of silence or absence of any provision in this Constitution, the Convention or the Executive Councils in pursuit of the organization’s mission, shall act in their own discretion provided that such actions shall be for the best interest of the organization and are not in conflict directly or indirectly with the provisions of this Constitution, the Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church and other related laws of the church, which provisions shall apply suppletorily.

Section 2. In case of doubt or ambiguity in the interpretation or construction of any provision of this Constitution, it shall be interpreted and construed liberally in favor of the best interest of the organization.

Section 3. The Convention or Executive Council may create interim or ad hoc structures as may be necessary to cater to the changing needs and context of the organization, provided that such interim or ad hoc structures shall have specific terms.

Section 4. The UMYAFP shall be subjected to an external audit by an Auditor who is a Professing Member of UMC and duly accredited by the Philippine government, recommended by the Executive Committee and Approved by the Convention and/or Executive Council every two (2) years in the National level. Provided further, that external audit may be conducted in other levels upon majority vote of the Convention or when the income or expenses of the level exceeds PHP100,000 following the procedures in this section.

 

ARTICLE XII

TRANSITORY PROVISIONS

 

Section 1. This Constitution shall take effect immediately upon its ratification and shall supersede the preceding and previous Constitutions.

 

Section 2. For purposes of transition in the terms of officers, the election shall be held in the following manner:

1. The election of officers under this Constitution, in any level concerned, shall be held during the Convention immediately following the ratification. The elected officers shall assume office by June 01, 2026 and every biennium thereafter.

 

1. Provided, however, that in the case of Local Chapter level, they shall assume office by June 01, 2026 and of every year thereafter.

 

1. In case of election of a new set of officers prior to the ratification of this Constitution, the elected officers in the concerned level shall serve until the end of term and until a new set of officers are elected under the new Constitution. All succeeding elections shall be conducted in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution.

 

 

Definition of Terms
Constitution of the UMYAFP

27 February 2026

 

This document provides proposed definitions for critical terms used in the Constitution of the United Methodist Young Adult Fellowship in the Philippines (UMYAFP). These definitions are intended to help readers interpret the Constitution consistently at the national, annual conference, district, and local chapter levels.

Where a term is explicitly described by the Constitution, the definition below follows that description. Where the Constitution uses a term without a formal definition, the definition below clarifies the intended meaning based on context and United Methodist usage. If any definition conflicts with a later constitutional provision or with duly approved United Methodist Church policies, the controlling provision or policy prevails.

Definitions

Term	Definition
Adviser	A person appointed (up to three) to provide guidance to the Executive Committee of the level concerned, including at least one church worker and with gender balance. Advisers sit as ex-officio members in the Convention/Council/Committee of the level concerned with the right to participate but without vote, unless otherwise provided.
Amendment	A change to the Constitution adopted through the Constitutional Convention process and ratified by the National Convention. Under this Constitution, amendments are restricted within four years from last ratification.
Annual Conference Convention	The Convention at the annual conference level of the UMYAFP.
Annual Conference Executive Council	The Executive Council at the annual conference level.
Auditor	The officer responsible for examining financial records, ensuring adherence to financial policies, presenting audit reports, leading fundraising initiatives, and recommending improvements to financial policies.
BCCED	Board of Communications Christian Education and Discipleship, an ex-officio body in the National Convention.
BCS	Board of Church and Society, an ex-officio body in the National Convention.
Bishop	The episcopal leader of the United Methodist Church who may be required to be present in an Investigation Committee at the national level.
BoL	Board of the Laity, an ex-officio body in the National Convention.
Budget	The plan of proposed revenues and expenditures for the ensuing year, to be proposed and approved as provided by this Constitution.
Christian social responsibility	The expression of faith through nurture, outreach, and witness, including acts of mercy and justice in society.
Co-preside	The manner of sharing the presiding and managing the meetings between the President and the Vice-President.
Connectional dues	Financial dues collected from the immediate lower level, the amount of which is determined by the Convention of the level concerned.
Connectional ministries	Ministries carried out through the connectional structure of the United Methodist Church, linking local churches, districts, annual conferences, and the wider church in common mission.
Constitutional Committee	A committee elected in the National Convention to convene the Constitutional Convention and facilitate the process of amendments or revisions.
Constitutional Convention	A convention convened at least six months before the National Convention to deliberate proposed amendments or revisions and prepare a final version for National Convention ratification.
Convention	The highest policy and decision-making body at each level of the UMYAFP, convened every two years at the national, annual conference, and district levels, and annually at the local chapter level.
Deaconess	A consecrated lay servant in the United Methodist Church who may serve in a local church, included as an ex-officio member in the Local Convention where applicable.
District Convention	The Convention at the district level of the UMYAFP.
District Executive Council	The Executive Council at the district level.
District Superintendent	A clergy leader responsible for district supervision in the United Methodist Church, included as an ex-officio member in relevant Conventions and in Investigation Committees as required.
Ecumenical partnerships	Cooperative relationships with other Christian churches and organizations for mission, ministry, and community transformation.
Episcopal Area	A geographic area in the United Methodist Church under episcopal supervision; used in this Constitution for designating National Focal Officers.
Ex officio	A status by which a person is included in a body by virtue of holding a specific office or position. Under this Constitution, ex officio participation is generally with voice but without vote, unless otherwise expressly provided, and ex officio members are treated as non-voting delegates in Convention/Council sessions.
Ex-officio member	A person who is included in a Convention, Council, Committee, or other body by virtue of holding a designated office or position. Under this Constitution, ex-officio members generally have voice but not the vote unless otherwise specified, and they are treated as non-voting delegates in sessions. Other ex-officio members may be included as deemed necessary by the Convention.
Executive Committee	The elected/constituted officers at each level who implement programs and policies, prepare agendas for Convention and Council meetings, coordinate with church bodies, and perform other functions assigned by this Constitution.
Executive Council	A body that acts on behalf of the Convention when the Convention is in recess at the national, annual conference, and district levels, executing Convention decisions and acting on referrals.
Executive Secretary	The officer responsible for communications, notices, agenda coordination, minutes, and safekeeping of documents for the level concerned.
Finance Officer	The officer responsible for compliance with financial policies, budgeting, financial record-keeping, reporting, collection of fees/dues, and management of financial transactions and properties.
Financial Policy	A written set of financial and internal-control rules adopted by the Convention or Executive Council of the level concerned. It shall operationalize the Constitution’s Finance and Resource Management provisions, including (as applicable) authorized signatories for disbursements, bank/depository arrangements, solicitation/grant approval requirements, safeguards against conflicts of interest, prohibited uses of funds, documentation and turnover requirements, and reporting/audit procedures.
Focal Officer	A member of the National Executive Committee designated for an Episcopal Area to support coordination and connectional ministry within that area.
Grounds for removal	The stated bases for removing an officer, including renunciation of UMC doctrines, gross violation of the Constitution, abandonment of office, financial misconduct, and other acts detrimental to UMYAFP reputation.
Holy Scripture	The Bible, received as the primary foundation of faith and life for the UMYAFP.
Immediate lower level	The organizational level is directly below the level concerned, whose consultation, reports, delegates, or dues may be required by this Constitution.
Immediate past president	The person who most recently served as President of the level concerned, included as an ex-officio member of the Convention at that level.
Inter-faith relations	Respectful engagement and cooperation with people and communities of other faith traditions, consistent with Christian witness and a commitment to inclusive and safe spaces.
Investigation Committee	A committee constituted upon complaint against an officer to investigate and recommend appropriate disciplinary action to the Convention concerned.
Lay Leader	A lay leader recognized in the United Methodist Church structure (conference, district, or local), included as an ex-officio member in relevant Conventions.
Lay organization	An organization composed primarily of lay members of the church and recognized within the structure of the United Methodist Church.
Level concerned	The specific organizational level (national, annual conference, district, or local chapter) to which a provision, meeting, officer, body, action, or responsibility applies.
Local Chapter Convention (Local Convention)	The Convention of the UMYAFP in a local church (local chapter).
Membership fee	A local chapter fee charged to members, to be set by the Local Chapter Convention.
National Convention	The Convention at the national level of the UMYAFP.
National Executive Council	The Executive Council at the national level.
Non-voting delegate	A person who may participate and speak in a meeting but does not vote, including ex-officio members and others present as specified by this Constitution.
Nurture Ministry	The program ministry focused on Christian formation, education, fellowship-building, servant leadership development, and deepening understanding of Wesleyan heritage and UMC polity.
Officer	A person elected (or, where applicable, appointed to fill a vacancy) to a position named in this Constitution, serving the UMYAFP at a specified level.
Online or hybrid setup	A meeting format where proceedings are held online or with both in-person and online participation, as authorized by the Constitution when physical gathering is not feasible.
Outreach Ministry	The program ministry focused on social ministries, direct services, humanitarian response, advocacy, and engagement with church and societal needs, guided by the UMC Social Principles.
Pastor	An appointed clergy person serving a local church, included as an ex-officio member in the Local Convention.
Professing Member	A baptized person who has come into membership of a local United Methodist Church by profession of faith through the appropriate services of the baptismal covenant or by transfer from another church, and whose name is carried on the roll of professing members. For purposes of this Constitution, eligibility for election to office requires being a professing member of the United Methodist Church.
President	The chief officer of the level concerned who leads and oversees the implementation of UMYAFP programs, presides over meetings, and represents the UMYAFP to relevant bodies.
Program agencies	The boards, councils, committees, and other program bodies of the United Methodist Church that partner with, relate to, or support UMYAFP ministries.
Program Ministry Heads	Officers heading the Program Ministries of the UMYAFP, namely Nurture, Outreach, and Witness, and serving as voting members of the Executive Committee.
Program Ministry Team	Members appointed (three to five) to support each Program Ministry Head in carrying out ministry plans and activities.
Program thrust	The overall program direction, priorities, and ministry focus approved by the Convention for the level concerned.
Quorum	For the Convention and Executive Council, all voting members present in a duly announced session constitute a quorum for transacting business. For the Constitutional Convention, the quorum requirement is as specified in the Constitution.
Ratification	Formal approval of amendments or revisions by a two-thirds vote of the voting delegates present during the National Convention.
Recommendation	A proposal or counsel submitted to the Convention or Council for consideration and possible action.
Resolution	A formal action or decision adopted by the Convention to address issues concerning the organization and its ministries.
Revision	A more substantial change to the Constitution adopted through the Constitutional Convention process and ratified by the National Convention. Under this Constitution, revisions are restricted within eight years from last ratification.
Succession	The process of filling a declared vacancy, including automatic succession of the Vice President to the Presidency and Executive Council appointment of replacements for the unexpired term.
Substantial evidence	In cases filed before administrative or quasi-judicial bodies, a fact may be deemed established if it is supported by substantial evidence, or that amount of relevant evidence which a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to justify a conclusion (Article 133, Revised Rules of Court in the Philippines).
Term of office	The period during which an elected or appointed officer holds office. Appointments to fill vacancies are for the unexpired portion of the term.
Two-thirds vote	An affirmative vote equal to at least two out of every three votes cast by the voting delegates present in the meeting where the vote is taken.
UMYAFP	United Methodist Young Adult Fellowship in the Philippines, a duly constituted lay organization of the United Methodist Church operating at the national, annual conference, district, and local (local chapter) levels.
United Methodist Church Polity	The general structure of the UMC from Local Church & General Conference.
The United Methodist Church (UMC)	The denomination within which the UMYAFP is constituted and to whose mission, doctrines, and policies the UMYAFP aligns.
Vacancy	A situation where an office becomes unfilled and is formally declared vacant by the Executive Council after reporting by the President of the level concerned.
Vice President	The officer who supports program planning and implementation, assumes the President’s duties when required, convenes the Executive Committee when the President fails to do so, and maintains membership directory and official social media.
Voting delegate	A delegate who has the right to vote in the Convention or Executive Council, as provided by this Constitution for the relevant level.
Wesleyan heritage	The theological and spiritual tradition associated with John Wesley and Methodism, as affirmed in the United Methodist Church, including emphases on grace, holiness, and Christian perfection (perfect love).
Witness Ministry	The program ministry focused on evangelism and faith-sharing consistent with the theological framework and mission of the United Methodist Church.
Young adult	Young adults served by the UMYAFP. If an age range is established by the United Methodist Church in the Philippines or by duly approved UMYAFP policies, that range governs.
Youth Service Fund (YSF)	YSF is a general fund of the UMC managed by and for the benefit of the youth and young adult of UMC.

 

Source: UMYAFP Constitution (draft).

 

Attendees:

 

Renz Carlo Flores (BPAC)

Bryan Kim Francisco (BULPAC)

Rey B. De Dios (CLPAC)

Aileen A. Quejado (HIPAC)

Melchor N. Sagun (HIPAC)

Fortunato M. Caliz Jr. (MIDPAC)

Evangeline S. Vera Cruz (MIDPAC)

Nestor T. Reyno Jr. (NCPAC)

Lynjane B. Sevilla (NCPAC)

Bryan M. Moya (NELPAC)

Alvic M. Ignacio (NELPAC)

Marineth C. Balitao (NEPAC)

Daphne Gay R. Bangunan (NEPAC)

Kathleen Irah B. Magaliao (NWPAC)

Richard Mel P. Caplis (NWPAC)

Lady Anne V. Sangalang (PAMPAC)

Eliza Joy B. Manahan (PAMPAC)

Ezra Joy A. Mendillo (PAC)

Sylwyn Sheen A. Salvador (PAC)

Febbie Mae L. Juan (PACC)

John Mark B. Malenab (PACC)

Vanessa Jane A. Dabay (QCPACE)

Mirasol C. Corpuz (SWPAC)

Cherry Joy L. Consolacion (SWPAC)

John Clarence B. Pera (STPPACE)

Ann Cyrill D. Cabilis (STPPACE)

Sairennete R. Travero (WESTMIDPAC)

Larren Jo Basilio(WESTMIDPAC)

Joshua Q. Tumanguil (NPAC)

Mike Maceda (QCPACE)

Raily Camarao (NPAC)

Charmaine Narvadez (BPAC)

Darinel V. Mata (BULPAC)

Jacqueline Fernandez (SNEPAC)

Joseph Gonzales (SNEPAC)

 

 

Aldrin Roi E. Salvador                     Constitutional Convention Committee

Dionathel C. Caliz                            Constitutional Convention Committee

Noruel Jan G. Miguel                      Constitutional Convention Committee

Thelma Cogay                                  Constitutional Convention Committee Adviser

Edward Santos                                 Constitutional Convention Committee Adviser

Atty. Ismael Fisco                            Constitutional Convention Committee Adviserbooklet_cover_publisher